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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 April, 2023
Expert travel writer: Nicola Chilton

The buildings of ‘Old’ Dubai may only date back 100 years or so, but this neighbourhood, encompassing the Al Fahidi heritage district, Bur Dubai and the Creek itself, is the place to come to get a feel of the city’s history.

Until the 20th century, Dubai was a small pearl-diving and trading post, under the protection of the British as part of the Trucial States. Since the discovery of oil in the region, along with the formation of the UAE and independence in 1971, the city’s growth has been unprecedented, with mega-towers mushrooming out of the desert and tax-free zones drawing businesses and expatriates from across the globe.

From its roots as a centre of trade and pearling, Old Dubai is where you can catch a glimpse of how life would have felt before the skyscrapers arrived. Traditional wind towers rise up above the alleyways, old houses have been converted into atmospheric courtyard cafés and traditional wooden abra boats still cross Dubai Creek.

You can easily spend an entire day here, visiting some interesting museums, browsing the galleries, and shopping the souqs. Don’t miss the opportunity to get on the water – cross from one side to the other for just AED 1, or book your own abra for a private hour-long tour.

Al Shindagha Museum
Experience

Al Shindagha Museum

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A brilliant insight into the story of Dubai Creek and the city’s waterfront origins. Don’t miss the equally excellent adjacent Perfume House, focusing on the importance of scent in Emirati culture.

Best for ages: 13+ | £12

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Arabian Teahouse
Experience

Arabian Teahouse

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A delightful former trader’s house in Al Fahidi where you could spend hours sitting in the atmospheric courtyard beneath the shady tree, sipping a mint lemonade or sweet karak tea.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Gold on the famous "Golden souk" in Dubai Deira market. Deira is an old commercial center of Dubai with the biggest street market.
Experience

Gold Souk

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

An atmospheric bazaar where dazzling chains, earrings, headdresses and more drip from the shop windows, and good deals can be had if you know what you’re looking for. It’s regulated by the Dubai government to ensure authenticity.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Variety of spices and herbs on the arab street market stall. Dubai Spice Souk, United Arab Emirates.
Experience

Spice Souk

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

While some stores feel a little touristy, locals really do stock up on spices here too. From Iranian saffron to piles of chilis, cloves and spice mixes, the shopkeepers will be happy to tell you about their stock and how you can use the spices back home.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Old Dubai is centred on the western banks of the Creek. Al Ghubaiba Metro station is convenient for the museums of Al Shindaga, or ask a taxi to drop you at the Shindaga Historical District. From here, you can pop into the Al Shindaga Museum for a glimpse into the early years of Dubai Creek’s development, and the Saruq Al Hadid Museum to learn about the emirate’s ancient history.

Then follow the Creek in the direction of the souks, where you can browse the textile and souvenir shops. From there, it’s an easy stroll into the narrow alleys of the Al Fahidi heritage district, which adjoins the souks; easily recognisable by the traditional wind towers that adorn many of the buildings. Look out for the XVA Art Hotel and have a bite to eat in its courtyard café, or seek out the lovely Arabian Tea House for Emirati cuisine served in the shade of a tree.

Hop on an abra from either of the abra stations along this side of the Creek to the other side – they go when they’re full, which is usually just a matter of minutes. From here you can explore the spice and gold souks, before taking another abra back to the Bur Dubai side, preferably timed for the sunset. This is when the views are at their best and the call to prayer echoes from the many mosques that line the Creek.

If you still have some energy left, head to the Meena Bazaar area, where you’ll find plenty of casual restaurants serving good, cheap Indian food.

When to do it

Since this is one of the most walkable parts of the city, go when the weather is cooler. Avoid the peak summer months – late May to September, and unless you’re visiting in winter, it’s best not to go exploring in the middle of the day.

Sunset is a lovely time for an abra tour, and the heat of the day has passed, so best to start your tour around 4pm – this is when the souks are most lively too.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings ( Small-Group)

Dubai Aladdin Tour: Souks, Creek, Old Dubai and Tastings ( Small-Group)

Dubai

Join me on one of the most beautiful areas in Dubai and create memories you cannot forget during this Fun tour which is mix of Street Food, ...

$32 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [1485 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Dubai City Tour with Guide - Old and New Dubai sightseeing tour

Dubai City Tour with Guide - Old and New Dubai sightseeing tour

Dubai

Discover the major tourist attractions, latest sites and upcoming developments of Dubai in the company of a professional licensed English-sp...

$39 | Rating 4.59 / 5 [374 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Dubai: Walking Tour, Creek, Abra Taxi, Souks & Emirati Food

Dubai: Walking Tour, Creek, Abra Taxi, Souks & Emirati Food

Dubai

Experience Arabian culture by touring the Al Khayma Heritage house and savoring optional Emirati food. Tour the alleyways of Al Fahidi, the ...

$39 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [188 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Historic Old Dubai & Souk Walking Tour

Historic Old Dubai & Souk Walking Tour

Dubai

Journey with us in this two-hour action packed historical walking tour where it all began. We will guide you through the middle east markets...

$51 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [99 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

XVA Art Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.5 miles]

Dubai’s only art-themed hotel in the historic Al Fahidi quarter is a must-stay for gallery fans, and a unique opportunity to experience Dubai’s historic neighbourhood.

Official star rating:

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[1 miles]

An atmospheric creekside hotel filled with retro design details, just a short walk from old Dubai and the city’s heritage areas.

Official star rating:

Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Hotel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[1.4 miles]

An iconic symbol of the golden age of travel, the QE2 is now a luxury hotel permanently harboured in Dubai. One of the city’s most unusual places to stay – and certainly it’s most unique.

Official star rating:

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[5.9 miles]

A stylish boutique-sized hotel in buzzing DIFC, with a rooftop bar, small-but-sexy rooftop pool, and some of the city’s best restaurants on the doorstep.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Museum of the Future

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[5.2 miles]

This extraordinary, one-of-a-kind museum offers an insight into what a future world will look like – a bewildering showcase of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and virtual reality. Unmissable.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35

Burj Khalifa

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[7.7 miles]

The world’s tallest building. Head up to the world’s highest outdoor observation deck for exceptional views of the city and desert beyond, and learn Dubai history along the way.

Best for ages: 4+ | £30

Helicopter flights over Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[23.7 miles]

Get you up close to Dubai’s world-famous landmarks, and put the sprawling desert city in perspective with an unforgettable helicopter flip.

Best for ages: 12+ | £160 | 1 hour

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Cultural breakfast at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Experience

Cultural breakfast at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[0.6 miles]

Cultural activities and meals – including wonderful cultural breakfasts and lunches in Al Fahidi – offer visitors the chance to understand Dubai from the perspective of Emirati’s who have grown up and live in the city.

Best for ages: 13+ | £16

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Etihad Museum
Experience

Etihad Museum

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[3.6 miles]

The UAE’s national museum, set in this striking building by architects Moriyama & Teshima, is dedicated to preserving and displaying the heritage of the UAE – everything from social and cultural, scientific and military. The location was specially chosen to be where the country was founded in 1971. Open daily, with free daily guide tours.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Dubai Garden Glow
Experience

Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)[4.1 miles]

An outdoor park featuring over 500 different displays and sculptures, illuminated by millions of lights. Highlights include famous monuments like the Taj Mahal, a Dinosaur Park with life-sized dinosaur models, the Underwater World, and the Magic Park, with interactive exhibits and optical illusions.

Best for ages: 4+ | £15

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